Routine ID checks lead police in 2 towns to arrest people wanted in other states

LACONIA — Two people alleged to be fugitives from justice appeared by video in the 4th Circuit Court yesterday — a woman who was arrested by Gilford Police and a man in a completely unrelated case who was apprehended by Belmont Police.

Belmont Police arrested Thomas S. Jenkins, of 32 River Road in Gilford for failing to appear in the Fulton County, Georgia, Superior Court to answer to one count of possession of heroin. He is charged with one felony count of being a fugitive from justice.

Jenkins was one of three people who were at Leslie Roberts Town Beach after it was closed on Sunday night. Police ran a routine check on all three and learned Jenkins was wanted by Fulton County.

His lawyer argued that Jenkins was released 18 months ago from a Fulton County Superior Court holding cell and not given any paperwork or notice to appear. He said his client lived in Georgia for 18 months after he was released from custody and never got any notice that he was to appear in court.

Belmont Police wanted him held on very high or no bail but Carroll told the prosecutor to "get a governor's warrant." Belmont Police said Fulton County officials have said they will extradite him. The Daily Sun confirmed with Fulton County officials yesterday that Jenkins was arrested on September, 9, 2011 for one count of heroin possession.

His lawyer argued he is employed full-time as a cook at a local restaurant and is a substitute teacher for the Gilford School District, which was confirmed by the superintendent of schools yesterday.

After hearing bail arguments, Judge Carroll ordered him held on $500 cash and $10,000 personal recognizance bail, to live at 32 River Road, to not drink any alcohol or take any non-prescribed drugs, and to report daily to the Gilford Police until the matter of his alleged non-appearance can be unraveled.

In an unrelated matter, Joann Wilcox, 42, of 10 Derry St. Apt. 2 in Manchester was a passenger in a car that was being driven on the Gilford By-Pass that was stopped by Gilford Police. When the officer learned the driver was operative with a suspended license, he asked if there was someone in the car who could drive the car.

Wilcox said she was a licensed driver but when the officer checked to make sure, he learned she was wanted on a probation violation due to a previous charge of possession of a controlled substance from the 24th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri.

Affidavits indicated police spoke to Cpl. Cositino of St. Francois County, Missouri who said the state of Missouri would take full extradition of her.

She is charged with one count of being a fugitive from justice.

Judge Jim Carroll ordered she be held without bail until a hearing on August 19 when she can have a hearing status. She had waived extradition when arrested in Missouri.